Milton's Tips
Milton says, "I need a tip! Do you
have a really spiffy idea that may of interest to other hobbyists?
Send me an E-Mail
explaining your suggestion, idea, etc. If we publish it on our
website or in our newsletter, we'll send you a
$5.00 gift certificate to spend in our store!
Not all tips will be printed -- only those that we
think are the best!"
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 R/C
Helicopter Primer
Helicopters have very little inherent aerodynamics, as do the
fixed wing airplanes. They basically fly by beating themselves
into the air.
At this time in aviation development, beating themselves into
the air seems to be the only way to efficiently hover an aircraft or to
be able to land on one spot. This is true of model helicopters as
well as their full size counterparts.
Pitch Types
There are two basic types of model helicopters available:
fixed pitch and collective pitch.
Fixed Pitch
Fixed Pitch helicopters have the main rotor blades set at a
fixed pitch (angle) and generate lift by the rotor speed. The
faster the rotor speed, the higher the helicopter will climb.
Conversely, slow the rotor speed and the helicopter descends.
Collective Pitch
Collective Pitch helicopters offer more than the fixed pitch
style. They can vary the pitch angle at a constant rotor head
speed to increase or decrease lift; i.e.: both blades increase or
decrease the pitch angle or cyclic pitch and you can move one blade up
while moving the other down.
Fixed Pitch vs. Collective Pitch: Which is better?
Fixed Pitch helicopters are the most simple to learn on and use.
The Collective Pitch types are the more technically complex; however,
they are easier to fly from forward flight to hovering.
Electric helicopters are available in both fixed pitch and
collective pitch. Gas (nitro) powered helicopters are
available only in collective pitch.
Great Model Heli's to Choose From
Visit either our
online or retail
store for a nice selection of some of the greatest heli's available
today!
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